Retraction mechanism and sewing machine cabinet

ABSTRACT

A retraction mechanism especially adapted for use with sewing machines and the like including a carriage pivotally mounted on a cabinet and within a storage well, the carriage including a pair of cross oriented leaf springs, one leaf spring being mounted adjacent each end of the carriage, each leaf spring carrying a rod at its end in perpendicular relation with respect to the leaf spring, a support platform carried and supported by the rods, the rods being in sliding engagement with the support platform, and lock means associated with the carriage for lockingly engaging the carriage in position for use and in position for storage, and the combination of the aforedescribed retraction mechanism with a sewing machine cabinet.

United States Patent [191 Shepherd RETRACTION MECHANISM AND SEWING MACHINE CABINET [75] Inventor: Don W. Shepherd, Glenview, Ill.

[73] Assignee: A. C. Weber & Co., Inc., Chicago,

[22] Filed: Sept. 4, 1973 [21] Appl. No.: 393,910

Related U.S. Application Data [63] Continuation-impart of Ser. No. 271,688, July 14, 1972, abandoned.

[52] U.S. C1 312/30, 312/21, 312/319 [51] Int. Cl A47b 81/00 [58] Field of Search 312/21, 27, 30, 312, 319;

[56] References Cited UNlTED STATES PATENTS 4/1936 Mossner 312/21 4/1957 Hubbell 8/1957 Ayres 312/30 Mar. 11, 1 975 3,051,538 8/1962 Parsons .312/30 3,765,739 10/1913 Williams .312/30 Primary Examiner-James C. Mitchell Atlorney, Agent, or FirmDominik, Knechtel, Godula & Demeur [57] ABSTRACT A retraction mechanism especially adapted for use with sewing machines and the like including a carriage pivotally mounted on a cabinet and within a storage well, the carriage including a pair of cross oriented leaf springs, one leaf spring being mounted adjacent each end of the carriage, each leaf spring carrying a rod at its end in perpendicular relation with respect to the leaf spring, a support platform carried and supported by the rods, the rods being in sliding engagement with the support platform, and lock means associated with the carriage for lockingly engaging the carriage in position for use and in position for storage.

and the combination of the aforedescribed retraction mechanism with a sewing machine cabinet.

13 Claims, 11 Drawing Figures PATENTEUKARI 5 3.870.386

sum 5 or 5 FIG. 9

RETRACTlON MECHANISM AND SEWING MACHINE CABINET RELATED APPLICATIONS This application is a continuation-in-part application of parent application entitled RETRACTlON MECH- ANISM FOR SEWING MACHINE CABINETS AND THE LIKE, filed on July 14, 1972, in the name of Don W. Shepherd, and assigned to the assignee of the present application, A. C. Weber & Co. Inc. Ser. No. 271,688 and now abandoned.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION A variety of mechanisms have been proposed and are in current use, in connection with retraction mechanisms especially adapted for use with sewing machines and the like. Most frequently, there is provided a cabinet which includes a storage well for accommodating the sewing machine on a platform which retracts into the well. In most instances, the machine is permanently or at least securely fixed to the platform and the retraction of the machine into the well of the cabinet is accomplished by merely tilting the platform downwardly such that both the platform and the machine move together. One of the limitations inherent in such a retraction mechanism and system is the fact that the machine, when secured on the platform, cannotbe adjusted heightwise, such as for example, when a free arm type sewing machine is utilized.

The difficulties inherent with such a retraction mechanism and the complexity which is usually associated with such systems accounts for the difficulties which have been encountered in terms of providing a convenient sewing machine cabinet with a retraction mechanism especially useful for free arm type sewing machine. Those systems which are presently in use require, usually, a number of moving parts, a series of interconnected coil springs, and on the whole, such systems tend to be rather bulky and complicated. Such difficulties also have an impact from a commercial standpoint in that sewing machine cabinets includingsuch retraction mechanisms are often unsightly and have not been commercially very successful.

Other types of retraction mechanisms which are known in the art usually involve a combination of elements which is, on the whole, rather complicated and cumbersome both from a cost standpoint and from a use standpoint. For example, systems consisting of interconnected rods, cams, levers and the like, are known, and it is clear that such systems are costly in terms of the number of parts utilized, the cost of manufacture to assemble and oftentimes, complexity in use.

It would, therefore, be clearly desirable to provide a retraction mechanism especially adapted for use with sewing machines and the like, which may be employed in the standard type machine cabinet, and which nevertheless is simple in construction, economical in manufacture, and easy to use.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF INVENTION Pursuant to this invention, there is provided a retrac-' tion mechanism especially adapted for use with free arm sewing machines and the like, which is simplified in construction, while nevertheless, permitting easy and complete retraction of the sewing machine into a storage well of a sewing machine cabinet, and at the same time, exemplifying versatility in that the same sewing machine cabinet equipped with the subject retraction mechanism canbe used in connection with both flat bed type sewing machines and the free arm type sewing machine. I

Briefly, the retraction mechanism of the present invention includes a carriage which is provided with a pair of cross oriented leaf springs, each of the leaf springs supporting a rod mounted perpendicularly to the leaf spring, and being in opposed relation with respect to one another, a support platform slidably carried by the rods for supporting a sewing machine or the like thereon, lock means associated with the carriage for lockingly engaging the carriage in a retracted support position the carriage being pivotally mounted to the sewing machine thereby to permit the pivotal movement of the sewing machine into and out of a storage posture.

In addition, this invention permits the use of a single sewing machine cabinet in connection with both a flat bed sewing machine, wherein a retraction mechanism is not required, as well as for a free arm'sewing machine by merely inserting the retraction mechanism of the present invention in the same cabinet, the retraction mechanism beingso constructed as to fit within the well of the sewing machine and accommodate a free arm sewing machine thereon. It will therefore be appreciated that the same sewing machine cabinet may be employed with either of the two types of standard sewing machines and thereby eliminate the need for carrying a different line of cabinets where free arm machines are to be utilized.

OBJECTS AND ADVANTAGES It is therefore the principal object of this invention to provide a retraction mechanism especially adapted for use with sewing machines and the like, which is simplified in construction, while at the same time permitting versatility in that the same sewing machine cabinet may be used for either a flat bed sewing machine wherein the retraction mechanism is removed, or with a free arm type sewing machine having the retraction mechanism mounted thereon and yet permitting either of the subject sewing machines to be pivotally moved into a storage position when not in use.

Another object of this invention is to provide a retraction mechanism especially adapted for use with sewing machines and the like wherein the sewing machine cabinet includes a bib pivotally mounted thereon, which cooperates with the retraction mechanism to provide a support position permitting the support and use of a free arm type sewing machine in a fully extended position, as well as in a retracted position.

A futher object of this invention is to provide a novel retraction mechanism especially adapted for use with sewing machines and the like, which includes a carriage pivotally mounted to a sewing machine cabinet, the carriage including a pair of cross oriented leaf springs mounted thereon, each of the leaf springs having a support rod mounted on its upper end, each of the support rods being mounted in perpendicular relationship with respect to the corresponding leaf spring, a support platform slidably supported upon and across the support rods, the support platform supporting a sewing machine thereon, lock means associated with the carriage and the support platform for permitting the locking engagement of the support platform into a retracted support position, and further accommodating the pivotal movement of the sewing machine and retraction mechanism into a storage posture. 1

In connection with the foregoing object, it is still another object of this invention to provide a sewing machine cabinet of the type described wherein the bib includes a longitudinal slot extending along the interior edge thereof, an'd'a separate bib plateis provided which maybe slidably carried by the slot, such that the front edge'of a flatbed'type sewing machine maybe supported by-th'e bib plate in its use position while still permitting the fiat bed type sewing machine to be fully retracted into the storage well of the sewing machine cabinet in its storage position, the bib plate simply remaining in the longitudinal slot after the machine has been retracted and stored.

Yet another object of the present invention is to provide a retraction mechanism in combination with a sewing machine cabinet of the type described wherein the support rods mounted on the upper ends of the corresponding leaf springs are in free sliding contact with the under surface of the support platform suchthat the support rods may freely slide along the under surface of the support platform during the retraction and extension of the carriage.

In connection with all the foregoing objects, it is yet another object of the present invention to provide a re traction mechanism of the type described in combination with a well formed in the sewing machine cabinet for providing a storage chamber for the retraction mechanism with a sewing machine mounted thereon when positioned in the completely retractable position permitting the pivotal movement of the carriage and sewing machine into the storage and use positions.

A further object of this invention is to provide a retraction mechanism for use with a sewing machine cabinet of the type described above, wherein the carriage further includes positive lock means having a lock release mechanism associated therewith for positively locking the retraction mechanism with a sewing machine mounted thereon, in theretracted position, and permitting thev release of the support platform and sewingmachine. mounted thereon only in response to the release mechanism.

In connection with the foregoing object, it is yeta furtherobject of this invention to provide lock means and a release mechanism associated with both the carriage and the support platform portions of the retrac-, tion mechanism such that the release mechanism functions by actively moving a locking bar to release the locking means from engaged interconnection with the carriage in order to fully extend the support platform and sewing machine carried thereon and thereby preventany accidental extension of the machine during Further features of the invention pertain-to the particular arrangement of the parts whereby the aboveoutlined and additional operating features thereof are obtained.

The invention, both as to its organization and method of operation, together with further objectsand advantages thereof, will best be understood by reference to the following specification taken in connection with the accompanying drawings in which: ,FIG. 1 is a plan view of a sewing machine cabinet having a sewing machine mounted on a retractable platform;

FIG. 2 is a plan view of the sewing machine cabinet wherein-the sewing machine has been moved into a storage posture and the open well covered by a pivotal platform;

FIG. 3 is an exploded perspective view showing a sewing ,machine cabinet having a well, a retraction mechanism which is fitted within the well, and the support platform whichis' supported by and carried on top of the carriage mechanism; a

FIG. 4 is a front'elevational view, partly in cross section, showing a sewing machineof the free arm type, carried on the supportplatform of the retraction mechanism of the present invention taken in the direction of the arrows along the line 4-4 of FIG. 1;

FIG. 5 is a front elevational view, partly in cross section, showing the free arm type sewing machine in the retracted and locked position wherein the lock means is engaged and the retraction mechanism is in the retracted posture;

FIG. 6 is a side elevational view partly in cross section, showing the manner in which the carriage is pivotally moved into and out of the sewing machine cabinet having the sewing machine carried thereon, taken in the direction of the arrows along the line 66 in FIG.

FIG. 7 is a bottom elevational view, partly in cross section, showing the details of the carriage of the retraction mechanism, including the lock means associ ated with the carriage and with the support platforms;

FIG. 8 is a front view showing the details of construction of the lock means of the retraction mechanism of the present invention.

FIG. 9 is a side elevational view partly in cross section, showing the carriage assembly with the machine mounted thereon in its storage position and its use position in phantom;

1 FIG. 10 is a side elevational view, partly in cross section, showing the sewing machine cabinet with the bib and bib plate in position for supporting a flat bed type sewing machine; and

FIG 11 is a perspective view showing the sewing machine cabinet with the bib pivoted slightly upwardly with the bib plate in exploded orientation with respect tothebib.v Y

Referring now to FIGS. 1 and 2 of the drawings, there is shown a sewing machine cabinet generally referred to by the numeral 10, including a chair well 12, a plurality of drawers 14, and a split top 16. The split top 16 consists of a shortened drawer top 17, and an enlarged pivotal platform top 18. The chair well 12 is bounded by a top 20 which includes a storage well 21, having a pivotally movable machine support platform mounted thereon. The support platform 80 carries a free arm sewing-machine 25 thereon, in the manner illustrated..As shown in FIG. 2 of the drawings, the sewing machine 25 may easily be retracted into its storage position, in the manner which will be hereinafter described, and the platform top 18 pivotally moved over and about the top 20 to cover the well '21. In this posture, the sewing machine cabinet 10 may then be used as a desk or other appropriate item of furniture.

With particular reference to FIG. 3 of the drawings, the construction of the pivotal carriage, 30 and its relationship with the sewing machine cabinet 10 is illustrated. The well 21 of the sewing machine cabinet 10 is bounded by side walls 22 and a back wall 23, and a curvilinear bottom wall 24. The top 20, positioned over the chair well 12 is covered by an upper surface 28 which defines the well opening 29. Adjacent and along the front edge of the well opening 29 is a bib-32, which is pivotally mounted to the upper surface 28 in the manner which will be more fully described hereinafter. The bib 32 is so mounted as to pivot upwardly with respect to the upper surface 28 and will pivot downwardly such that the downward motion is restrained and terminates with the bib 32 in planar relationship with the upper surface 28, when in the use position. The rear edge of the well opening 29 is provided with a pair of hinge slots, 33 and 34 respectively, which accommodates the positioning of the hinges 57 of the carriage as will be more fully described hereinafter.

The carriage 30 is formed by an elongated inverted center channel 36 having a pair of cross arms 37 and 38 respectively formed integrally therewith at a point approximately intermediate the center point of the channel 36 and the outer end thereof. The forward end 39 of the cross arm 37 is turned upwardly to form an upstanding front standard 40 which terminates in an outwardly turned flange 42. The rear end of the cross arm 37 terminates in an upstanding rear standard 44, which in turn, is provided with a boss adjacent the upper end thereof and hinge mounts 47 provided in the standard 44. The hinge mounts 47 consist of a pair of apertures for mounting the hinges 57 thereto by any suitable means such as machine screws or the like.

In a similar manner, the forward end 49 of the cross arm 38 is turned upwardly to form an upstanding front standard 50, terminating at its upper end in an outturned flange 52. Each of the front standards 40 and 50 is provided with a forward boss 53 adjacent the upper ends thereof, similarly the rear end of the cross arm 38 is turned upwardly to form an upstanding rear standard 54 having a rear boss 55 extending outwardly therefrom adjacent the upper end thereof and binge mounts 58 provided in the rear standard 54, which again consists of a pair of apertures for mounting to the hinge 57 by any suitable means such as machine screws or the like.

The carriage 30 further includes a first leaf spring 60 fixedly secured to one end of the central channel 36 by any suitable means such as a rivet, screws, or the like and extends angularly upwardly therefrom. The first leaf spring terminates in an upper end 62 having a rod 64 mounted thereon and secured in perpendicular relationship with respect to the leaf spring 60. The leaf spring 60 is approximately one-half of the width of the central channel 36, such that the forward edge 65 of the first leaf spring 60 is flush with the forward skirt 35 of the central channel 36.

A second leaf spring is mounted on the central channel 36, by any secure means such as a rivet, screws or the like, the second leaf spring 70 being mounted on the opposed end of the central channel 36 and extending angularly upwardly across the plane formed by the first leaf spring 60. As with the first leaf spring 60, the second leaf spring 70 terminates in an upper end 72 which mounts to a rod 74, the rod 74 and the rod 64 of the first leaf spring being in substantially the same plane when in the rest position. The second leaf spring 70 is similarly approximately one-half of the width of the central channel 36 such that the overall width of the first and second leaf springs 60 and 70 equals the width of the central channel 36 with the rear edge of thesecond leaf spring 70 abutting the rear skirt 41 of the central channel 36.

The carriage assembly 30 is completed by a support platform 80, having an upper surface 81 and a lower surface 82. The forward edge 83 of the platform includes a pair of guides 84 and 85 respectively adjacent each of the side edges thereof. Each of the guides 84 and 85 are formed by spaced apart fingers which are spaced apart a distance slightly greater than the width of the upstanding standards 40 and 50 respectively. The rear edge of the platform 80 also includes a pair of guides 86 (FIG. 6) which are similar to guides 84 and 85. In use the fingers of the guide 84 are positioned on either side of the upstanding front standard 40 and positioned below the boss 53 such that the guide 84 rides on either side of the standard 40 thereby to guide the platform 80 along its use and retracted position respectively. Similarly, the fingers of the guide 85 are positioned on either side of the side edges of the upstanding front standard 50 and below the boss 53, to once again guide the platform during its retraction and use cycles. It will be appreciated that the rear guides 86 function to similarly override the rear standards 44 and 54 respectively and are positioned below the bosses 45 and 55 respectively, such that all of the guides, including guides 84 and 85 stabilize the path of travel of the support platform 80 during its retraction and use cycles while the bosses 53, 45 and 55 provide stop positions for the support platform when in its extended use position.

Each of the rods 64 and 74 are freely slidable along the lower surface 82 of the support platform 80. Hence, as manual pressure is applied downwardly against the support platform 80, the leaf springs 60 and 70 are forced in a downward path of travel against their point of tension and the rods 64, and 74 freely slide along the lower surface 82 of the support platform 80.

Each of the rods, 64 and 74, are formed from a smooth material such as a smooth metal or plastic such that the rods 64 and 74 are'freely slidable along the lower surface 82 of the platform 80. It has been found to be desirable to use a metallic material such as half oval steel which is fairly low in cost and resistant to abrasion in order to permit a long useful life for the material. With regard to the central channel 36 and the cross arms 37 and 38, as well as the standard 40, 50 and 44 and 54, these elements are formed as a unitary assembly by stamping out the respective pieces after which the standards 40, 50, 44, and 54, are formed by turning the cross arms upwardly in a manner known in the art. The respective pieces may then be assembled into a unitary assembly by any suitable means such as weldment in the preferred embodiment. The leaf springs 60 and 70 are separate elements and are mounted to the central channel 36 by means of rivets or any other such means as will provide a permanent mounting of the leaf spring 60 and 70 to the central channel 36. The leaf springs 60 and 70 as well as the carriage 30 are formed of steel materials, however, the particular material utilized to form these elements is not deemed to be critical to the inventive subject matter herein. The support platform 80 may be formed of wood or plastic and again, the selection of material is not deemed critical to the invention herein.

In FIGS. 4 through 8 of the drawings, the details of construction of the carriage assembly 30 and the relationship of the respective parts and elements thereof,

are more fully shown. With particular reference to FIG. 4 of the drawings, the support platform 80 is shown to relationship. The lower surface 82 of the support platform 80 is provided with a pair of locking hooks 88 mounted thereon ,and extending downwardly therefrom. It will be noted that the channel 36 is provided with a pair of hook receiving apertures 90 in vertical alignment with the locking hooks 88 respectively. It will be noted that each of-the locking hooks 88 is provided with an engagement shoulder 89 which function in a manner to be more fully described hereinbelow.

The open portion of the channel 36 is provided with a lock bar 92, held in sliding engagement thereunder by means of a pair of cross supports 94. The cross supports 94 are mounted between the skirts 35 and 41 of the channel 36 by means of a weldment or other suitable fastening means. The channel 36 is also provided with a pair of end stops 95, which limit the horizontal path of travel of the lock bar 92. It will further be observed that the lock bar 92 is also provided with a pair of hook receiving apertures 96, which, in use, are vertically positioned offset with respect to the hook receiving apertures 90 positioned in the channel 36. This offsetting relationship between the apertures 96, vis-a-vis the apertures 90 is maintained by means of a spring 98, having one end thereof mounted on one of the cross supports 94, and the other end thereof mounted on a spring mount 99 extending downwardly from the lower surface of the lock bar 92. A release cable 100 extends from the spring mount laterally through a protective sleeve 102, which extends vertically upwardly along the rear of the carriage 30 and behind the upstanding rear standard 54 terminating in an extension portion having a handle 104, mounted thereon. The relationship of the release cable 100 of the spring 98 and its path of travel through the protective sleeve 102 and its positioning with respect to the carriage 30 is more fully shown in FIGS. 6 and 8 of the drawings, while the details of the channel 36 and the lock bar 92 slidably mounted thereunder with the spring 98 attached is shown in FIG. 7 of the drawings. As will be observed from viewing FIGS. 4 and of the drawings, FIG. 4 represents the release position of the support platform 80, while FIG. 5 represents the locked position of the support platform 80 having a machine mounted thereon, and the locking hooks 88 in their engaged position with respect to the apertures 90 of the channel 36 and the apertures 96 of the lock bar 92.

A view of FIGS. 4 and 5 will indicate that when it is desirous both to move the carriage with the support platform 80 thereon, downwardly into the lock position, the operator need only apply manual pressure against the top of the machine M and push downwardly until the locking hooks 88 pass through the hook receiving apertures 90 in the channel 36 permitting the cam surface 91 of the locking hooks 88 to then engage the hook receiving apertures 96 of the lock bar 92. The cam surface 91 of the two hooks 88 will force the lock bar 92 to move laterally against the tension of the spring 98, until the two locking hooks 88 have completely passed through the apertures 90 and 96 whereby the engagement shoulders 89 of the hooks 88 will then have passed completely through the hook receiving apertures 96, after which the tension of the spring 98 will retract the lock bar 92 by riding over the engagement shoulders 89 of the two hooks 88 as shown be carried by the rods 64 and 74 respectively, in sliding in FIG. 5 of the drawings. In this position, the first leaf spring and second leaf spring 60 and respectively, are in their retracted tensioned positions and held securely in this position by means of the locking hooks 88 which have now been, engaged by the lock bar 92. It will also be observed from viewing FIG. 5 of the drawings that in this position, the free arm F of the machine M is generally level with the upper surface. 28. In this position, it is well known in the art that a free arm ma chine once retracted into the well of the cabinet, may then be used by employing a drop-in plate generally of a U shaped configuration and surrounding the free arm F portion of the machinein a manner well-known in the art.

FIG. 6 is an end elevational view, partly in cross section, showing the carriage assembly 30 in its retracted and locked position as shown in FIG. 5 of the drawings. FIGS. 6 and 8 both clearly indicate the positioning of the protective sleeve 102, having the release cable 100 carried therein and terminating in a handle 104. Clearly, to unlock the carriage assembly 30, the operator need only pull on the handle 104 which, in turn, pulls against the tension of the spring 98 to move the lock bar 92 such that the hook receiving apertures 96 of the lock bar 92 register with the hook receiving apertures 90 in the channel 36 as shown in FIG. 8 of the drawings. Once this relative positioning has been achieved, it is clear that the two hooks 88 will retract themselves from the respective apertures 90 and 96 whereupon the first and second leaf springs 60 and 70 respectively will then cause the support platform to be pushed upwardly such that the carriage assembly 30 with the machine carried on the support platform 80 is in the extended use position as shown in FIG. 8. It is also apparent that once the operator releases the handle 104 connected to the release cable 100, the slide bar 92 will once again move to its horizontal position with the hook receiving apertures 96 therein, out of registry with the hook receiving apertures in the channel 36.

It is therefore clear in view of the above description that one aspect of this invention is the provision of a carriage assembly 30, which easily and conveniently accommodates the positioning and mounting of a free arm type sewing machine thereon and which will easily and securely retract into a downwardly retracted locked position wherein the free arm portion F of the machine M is flush with the top surface 28 of the cabinet 10, while also permitting an extended unlocked position wherein the free arm portion F of the machine M is vertically positioned above the top surface 28 of the cabinet 10, thereby affording the user two positions for the use of a free arm type sewing machine M. The carriage assembly 30 of the present invention is further provided with a positive locking means via the locking hooks 88 and the sliding bar 92, thereby to permit the user to conveniently and quickly lock the machine end into position while avoiding any danger of injury to hands or fingers, since the handle portion 104 of the spring 98 is positioned above the surface of the carriage assembly 30 and out of the way of the machine M when in the extended position.

Another feature of the present invention is the provision of a sewing machine cabinet, which permits the same cabinet to be used for either a flat bed type sewing machine, or for the insertion of a carriage assembly 30 of the type described above, accommodating a free arm type machine M therein. In FIGS. 9 through 11 of the drawings, the aspects of the sewing machine cabinet of the present invention permitting this dual usage are illustrated.

As shown in FIG. 9 of the drawings, the cabinet 10 includes a chair well 12, and a storage well 21. The storage well 21 is bounded by a curvilinear bottom wall 24 and thereby permits the pivotal movement and storage of a sewing machine within the well 21. As shown in FIG. 9, a free arm machine M is shown carried on a carriage assembly 30 in the manner heretofore described. When storage is desired, the free arm machine M is retracted into the lower retracted position and then locked therein by means of the hooks 88, engaging the lock bar 92 in the manner heretofore described. It will be noted that the cabinet 10 is provided with a bib 32 pivotally secured to the cabinet 10 by means of a hinge l5, pivotally secured in ahinge cutout 16 in the manner illustrated in FIG. 9. In view of the fact that the hinge is pivotally secured by a pin 17 adjacent the upper portion of the hinge cutout 16, and the fact that the hinge 15 is provided with a straight back wall 18, the hinge is only permitted to pivot in an upward direction such that the bib 32 may only be pivoted upwardly. Downward pivoting of the bib 32 is restrained by a stop plate 19 fastened to the lower surface of top 28. As further shown in FIG. 9 of the drawings, the bib 32 is provided with a longitudinal slot 105 extending along the length thereof. The slot 105 provides a mounting point for either the carriage assembly 30 in the manner illustrated in FIG. 9 of the drawings, or for a bib plate 110, which may be removably secured within the slot 105. As shown in FIG. 9 of the drawings, where the carriage assembly 30 is pivotally mounted within the cabinet 10 in order to accommodate a free type machine, the bib plate 110 is removed such that the slot 105 is permitted to carry the outwardly turned flanges 42 and 52 formed at the top ends of the upstanding front standards 40 and 50 respectively. Hence, in order to remove the free arm machine from its storage position within the well 21 to its use position, the operator need only reach down into the well, grasp the machine M, and pivot the same upwardly around the pivot point established by the hinges 57, while at the same time pivotally moving the bib 32 upwardly. The operator then positions the outturned flanges 42 and 52 respectively within the logitudinal slot 105 and lowers the machine M while permitting the bib 32 to move downwardly. The machine M will be secured in position when the straight back wall 18 of the hinge 15 pivotally mounting the bib 32 to the cabinet 10 strikes and rests against the stop plate 19. In this position, the carriage assembly 30 is secured in its use position with the bib 32 in its resting and support position.

FIGS. 10 and 11 ofthe drawings illustrate the manner in which the same sewing machine cabinet 10 may be utilized in connection with a flat bed type sewing machine. It will be observed that the bib 32 is once again pivotally mounted to the cabinet 10 by means of hinges 15, which are pivotally secured by a pin 17 within a hinge cutout 16, such that the bib 32 is only permitted downward travel until the bib 32 strikes and rests against the stop plate 19. In the use of a flat bed machine, in order to modify the cabinet 10 to accommodate a flat bed machine, a bib plate 110 is secured within the longitudinal slots 105 and extends outwardly therefrom for a short distance. In the case of a flat bed type sewing machine, the carriage assembly 30 is completely removed and the hinges 57 are then utilized to fasten directly to the lower peripheral shirt 112 of the flat bed machine by inserting studs (not shown) through the hinges 57. Hence, the operator may easily adapt the cabinet 10 to accommodate a flat bed machine by simply inserting the bib plate l10 into the longitudinal slot 105, the bib plate providing a support shoulder for the supporting of the forward edge of the flat bed machine when in the use position, as shown in the solid lines in FIG. 10 of the drawings.

In the past, it has always been necessary for the man ufacturers of sewing machine cabinets and sewing machines to carry differently constructed cabinets to accommodate the free arm machines vis-a-vis the flat bed type sewing machines. Hence, it has been the custom that the ultimate retailers similarly carry at least two lines of sewing machine cabinets in order to permit the provision of a cabinet to accommodate a flat bed machine where the same is purchased by the consumer versus a cabinet equipped to accommodate a free; arm machine, if such is desired by the consumer. The present invention obviously permits a considerable reduction in inventory, since the same sewing machine cabinet has now been adapted to fit both the flat bed type sewing machine, and the free arm machine, and as a sub combination thereof, a novel retraction mechanism has been designed which may easily be installed in the same sewing machine cabinet and will accommodate the free arm sewing machine and provide two positions for the machine when in use, as well as permitting the pivotal movement and storage of the machine in the sewing machine cabinet well. The provision of a bib having a longitudinal slot which can carry a bib plate for use in connection with a flat bed type sewing machine or to be used without the bib plate and to provide a nesting position for the upstanding standards of the carriage assembly represents a significant improvement in this art field.

It will therefore be appreciated that there has been provided by virtue of this invention a sewing machine cabinet which is useful both for the accommodation of a flat bed type sewing machine in pivotal relationship with respect to the sewing machine cabinet well, as well as a free arm type sewing machine carried in a carriage assembly, similarly pivotally mounted to the cabinet with respect to the well of the cabinet, the versatility of the cabinet being a function simply of the removal andlor insertion of either the flat bed sewing machine or the carriage assembly. In addition, the invention provides an improved retraction mechanism which is simplified in construction, but which nevertheless, easily and efficiently operates to provide a free arm machine carried thereon, and with the two difference use positions as well as to ensure that a positive locking means is provided therewith to prevent damage or injury to the user, during use of the assembly.

While there has been described what is at present considered to be the preferred embodiments of the invention, it will be understood that various modifications may be made therein, and it is intended to cover in the appended claims all such modifications as fall within the true spirit and scope of the invention.

What is claimed is: 1. A sewing machine cabinet adaptable for use with both a flat bed type sewing machine and a free arm type sewing machine, comprising in combination,

a .cabinet'having a pair of side walls, a back wall, and a front which is at least partially open, and a top wall having a-cutout therein,

a storage well positioned below said cutout portion,

access to said storage well being through said cutout portion,

thecutout portion having a front leading edge and a rear bounding edge, the rear bounding edge providing a mounting spot for a sewing machine assembly to-be pivotally secured thereto, upon said mounting-spots, 1

a bib pivotally secured to said fronleading edge of v said cutout portion, said bib having an arcuate path of travel bounded at the lower portion of the arc by the top surface of said cabinet and having an arcuately upward oath of travel limited only by the top wall of said cabinet,

said bib further including support engaging means extending along the length thereof,

support means removably associated with said bib, said support means being engageable with said bib support engaging means in order to provide a support shelf for use in conjunction with a flat bed sewing machine and being removably therefrom to accommodate the support of a free arm type sewing machine,

whereby the provision of a cabinet having a storage well and a pivotally secured bib mounted on the cutout portion, and having support means associated therewith, the support means being removably engageable with respectv to said bib, renders the sewing machine cabinet useful for both fiat bed type sewing machines and free arm type sewing I machines. t

2.,The sewing-machine cabinet as set forth in claim 1 above, wherein said bib is provided with a longitudinal slot extending along the length thereof, said longitudinal slot providing a support ridge for supporting a free arm type sewing machine assembly.

3. The sewing machine cabinet as set forth in claim 2 above, wherein said cabinet further includes a bib plate, said bib plate being removably engageable within said longitudinal slot and having awidth greater, than the depth of said longitudinalslot such that said bib plate willextend outwardly beyond said longitudinal slot when inserted therein and provide a support shelf for supporting a flatbed type sewing machine assembly when pivotally secured to said cabinet.

4, The sewing machine cabinet as set forth in claim 1 above, wherein said cabinet further includes a pair of universal hinges pivotally secured to said rear bounding edge of said cutout portion, said universal hinges being constructed-to alternatively carry a free arm sewing machine assembly and a flat bed type sewing machine. 1 5. In a sewing machine cabinet of the type having a top wall with a cutout portion and a storage well disposed therebeneath and having a bib, pivotally mounted along the front leading edge of the cutaway portion, the bib including a longitudinal slot extending along the length thereof, and adapted to facilitate in supporting a free arm typ sewing machine thereon, a retraction. mechanism associated with the sewing machine cabinet, comprising in combination,

a carriage, assembly being pivotally mounted along the rearv edge of thecutout portion suchthat said carriage assembly is pivotally movable within the storage well of the cabinet,

saidcarriage assembly having a base and a plurality of front and rear standards mounted on and laterally spaced outwardly from said base and extending upwardly therefrom,

said rear standards being provided with hinge mounts for hingedlymounting said carriage assembly on said sewing machine cabinet,

leaf spring means mounted on said base and upstanding therefrom in a substantially non-tensioned position, said springs being retractably movable into a tension positionwhen moved downwardly toward said base,

a support platform carried on said spring means for supporting a sewing machine thereon, said support platform being movable in response to the movement of said spring means,

guide means associated with said support platform for guiding said support platform with respect to said front and rear standards,

engagement means associated with said support platform for removably engaging said support platform in a retracted position,

and lock means associated with said base, said lock means adapted to removably engage said engagement means in order to lock said support platform in a retracted position when said engagement means and lock means have been movedtogether into engaging interconnection,

and securement 'means associated with said front standards for securing said front standards to the pivotal bib when pivotally moved into the use position,

whereby said retraction mechanism may be pivotally secured to a sewing machine cabinet ofthe type described and accommodate the storage on said support platform of a free arm type sewing machine which may be pivoted up into a use position or pivoted downwardly into a storage position, while at the same time permitting, when in the use position,

' the free arm sewing machine to have two positioning levels, one wherein the retractionmechanism is completely extended, and the other wherein the retraction mechanism has been retracted and locked into a lower position.

6. The retraction mechanism as set forth in claim 5 above, wherein said carriage assembly includes a series of four standards, two of said standards forming rear standards and two of said standards forming front standards, said rear standards being provided with hinge mounts for accommodating the pivotal securement of said carriage assembly to said sewing machine cabinet, and said front standard being provided with securement means for securing the front portion of said carriage assembly with respect to the pivotal bib positioned on the sewing machine cabinet.

7. The retraction mechanism as set forth inclaim 5 above, wherein said base of said carriage assembly comprises an inverted U-shaped channel and wherein said standards mounted thereon each comprise a cross arm fixedly secured to-said inverted U-shaped channel, the outer ends of said cross arm being turned and extending upwardly for a distance, said upturned arms forming said standards.

8. The retraction mechanism as set forth in claim 5 above, wherein said hinge means comprise a pair of hinge mounts, one of each of said hinge mounts being provided in one of each of said rear standards.

9. The retraction mechanism as set forth in claim above, wherein said spring means comprises a first leaf spring having one end thereof mounted on one end of said base, and extending arcuately upwardly therefrom and a second leaf spring having one end thereof mounted on the opposed end of said base and extending arcuately upwardly therefrom, said first and second leaf springs being cross oriented with respect to each other.

10. The retraction mechanism as set forth in claim 5 above, wherein said guide means associated with said support platform, each comprise a pair of fingers, mounted on the lower surface of said support platform and extending laterally outwardly therefrom for a short distance, the spacing between each of said pair of said fingers being slightly greater than the width of a corresponding front and rear standard such that each pair of fingers override the corresponding standard during the retraction and release cycle of said support platform.

11. The retraction mechanism as set forth in claim 5 above, wherein said engagement means associated with said support platform comprises a pair of hooks mounted on the lower surface of said support platform and extending downwardly therefrom, each of said hooks including an engagement shoulder formed above a cammed surface, and each of said hooks designed to engage with said lock means associated with said base.

12. The retraction mechanism as set forth in claim 5 above, wherein said lock means associated with said base comprises a lock bar slidably engaged along the undersurface of said base, said base being provided with a pair of hook receiving apertures in vertical registry with said engagement means associated with said support platform, and said lock bar similarly being provided with a pair of hook receiving apertures normally positioned out of registry in relation with said hook receiving apertures in said base and spring means for slidably moving said lock bar, thereby to move said hook receiving apertures and said lock bar into registry with said hook receiving apertures in said base, whereby said engagement means associated with said support platform may be lockingly engaged by said lock bar when the hook receiving apertures of said lock bar are out of registry with the hook receiving apertures of said base, and may be releasably removed therefrom by slidably moving said lock bar such that the hook receiving apertures in said lock bar register with the hook receiving apertures in said base inorder to permit the removal therefrom of said engagement means associated with said support platform.

13. The retraction mechanism as set forth in claim 5 above, wherein said securement means for securing said front standard to the pivotal bib comprises an outturned flange associated with each of said front standards, each of said outturned flanges being constructed so as to nest within the longitudinal slot of the bib to establish a rest and support position for said carriage assembly. 

1. A sewing machine cabinet adaptable for use with both a flat bed type sewing machine and a free arm type sewing machine, comprising in combination, a cabinet having a pair of side walls, a back wall, and a front which is at least partially open, and a top wall having a cutout therein, a storage well positioned below said cutout portion, access to said storage well being through said cutout portion, the cutout portion having a front leading edge and a rear bounding edge, tHe rear bounding edge providing a mounting spot for a sewing machine assembly to be pivotally secured thereto, upon said mounting spots, a bib pivotally secured to said fron leading edge of said cutout portion, said bib having an arcuate path of travel bounded at the lower portion of the arc by the top surface of said cabinet and having an arcuately upward oath of travel limited only by the top wall of said cabinet, said bib further including support engaging means extending along the length thereof, support means removably associated with said bib, said support means being engageable with said bib support engaging means in order to provide a support shelf for use in conjunction with a flat bed sewing machine and being removable therefrom to accommodate the support of a free arm type sewing machine, whereby the provision of a cabinet having a storage well and a pivotally secured bib mounted on the cutout portion, and having support means associated therewith, the support means being removably engageable with respect to said bib, renders the sewing machine cabinet useful for both flat bed type sewing machines and free arm type sewing machines.
 1. A sewing machine cabinet adaptable for use with both a flat bed type sewing machine and a free arm type sewing machine, comprising in combination, a cabinet having a pair of side walls, a back wall, and a front which is at least partially open, and a top wall having a cutout therein, a storage well positioned below said cutout portion, access to said storage well being through said cutout portion, the cutout portion having a front leading edge and a rear bounding edge, tHe rear bounding edge providing a mounting spot for a sewing machine assembly to be pivotally secured thereto, upon said mounting spots, a bib pivotally secured to said fron leading edge of said cutout portion, said bib having an arcuate path of travel bounded at the lower portion of the arc by the top surface of said cabinet and having an arcuately upward oath of travel limited only by the top wall of said cabinet, said bib further including support engaging means extending along the length thereof, support means removably associated with said bib, said support means being engageable with said bib support engaging means in order to provide a support shelf for use in conjunction with a flat bed sewing machine and being removable therefrom to accommodate the support of a free arm type sewing machine, whereby the provision of a cabinet having a storage well and a pivotally secured bib mounted on the cutout portion, and having support means associated therewith, the support means being removably engageable with respect to said bib, renders the sewing machine cabinet useful for both flat bed type sewing machines and free arm type sewing machines.
 2. The sewing machine cabinet as set forth in claim 1 above, wherein said bib is provided with a longitudinal slot extending along the length thereof, said longitudinal slot providing a support ridge for supporting a free arm type sewing machine assembly.
 3. The sewing machine cabinet as set forth in claim 2 above, wherein said cabinet further includes a bib plate, said bib plate being removably engageable within said longitudinal slot and having a width greater than the depth of said longitudinal slot such that said bib plate will extend outwardly beyond said longitudinal slot when inserted therein and provide a support shelf for supporting a flat bed type sewing machine assembly when pivotally secured to said cabinet.
 4. The sewing machine cabinet as set forth in claim 1 above, wherein said cabinet further includes a pair of universal hinges pivotally secured to said rear bounding edge of said cutout portion, said universal hinges being constructed to alternatively carry a free arm sewing machine assembly and a flat bed type sewing machine.
 5. In a sewing machine cabinet of the type having a top wall with a cutout portion and a storage well disposed therebeneath and having a bib, pivotally mounted along the front leading edge of the cutaway portion, the bib including a longitudinal slot extending along the length thereof, and adapted to facilitate in supporting a free arm typ sewing machine thereon, a retraction mechanism associated with the sewing machine cabinet, comprising in combination, a carriage assembly being pivotally mounted along the rear edge of the cutout portion such that said carriage assembly is pivotally movable within the storage well of the cabinet, said carriage assembly having a base and a plurality of front and rear standards mounted on and laterally spaced outwardly from said base and extending upwardly therefrom, said rear standards being provided with hinge mounts for hingedly mounting said carriage assembly on said sewing machine cabinet, leaf spring means mounted on said base and upstanding therefrom in a substantially non-tensioned position, said springs being retractably movable into a tension position when moved downwardly toward said base, a support platform carried on said spring means for supporting a sewing machine thereon, said support platform being movable in response to the movement of said spring means, guide means associated with said support platform for guiding said support platform with respect to said front and rear standards, engagement means associated with said support platform for removably engaging said support platform in a retracted position, and lock means associated with said base, said lock means adapted to removably engage said engagement means in order to lock said support platform in a retracted position wheN said engagement means and lock means have been moved together into engaging interconnection, and securement means associated with said front standards for securing said front standards to the pivotal bib when pivotally moved into the use position, whereby said retraction mechanism may be pivotally secured to a sewing machine cabinet of the type described and accommodate the storage on said support platform of a free arm type sewing machine which may be pivoted up into a use position or pivoted downwardly into a storage position, while at the same time permitting, when in the use position, the free arm sewing machine to have two positioning levels, one wherein the retraction mechanism is completely extended, and the other wherein the retraction mechanism has been retracted and locked into a lower position.
 6. The retraction mechanism as set forth in claim 5 above, wherein said carriage assembly includes a series of four standards, two of said standards forming rear standards and two of said standards forming front standards, said rear standards being provided with hinge mounts for accommodating the pivotal securement of said carriage assembly to said sewing machine cabinet, and said front standard being provided with securement means for securing the front portion of said carriage assembly with respect to the pivotal bib positioned on the sewing machine cabinet.
 7. The retraction mechanism as set forth in claim 5 above, wherein said base of said carriage assembly comprises an inverted U-shaped channel and wherein said standards mounted thereon each comprise a cross arm fixedly secured to said inverted U-shaped channel, the outer ends of said cross arm being turned and extending upwardly for a distance, said upturned arms forming said standards.
 8. The retraction mechanism as set forth in claim 5 above, wherein said hinge means comprise a pair of hinge mounts, one of each of said hinge mounts being provided in one of each of said rear standards.
 9. The retraction mechanism as set forth in claim 5 above, wherein said spring means comprises a first leaf spring having one end thereof mounted on one end of said base, and extending arcuately upwardly therefrom and a second leaf spring having one end thereof mounted on the opposed end of said base and extending arcuately upwardly therefrom, said first and second leaf springs being cross oriented with respect to each other.
 10. The retraction mechanism as set forth in claim 5 above, wherein said guide means associated with said support platform, each comprise a pair of fingers, mounted on the lower surface of said support platform and extending laterally outwardly therefrom for a short distance, the spacing between each of said pair of said fingers being slightly greater than the width of a corresponding front and rear standard such that each pair of fingers override the corresponding standard during the retraction and release cycle of said support platform.
 11. The retraction mechanism as set forth in claim 5 above, wherein said engagement means associated with said support platform comprises a pair of hooks mounted on the lower surface of said support platform and extending downwardly therefrom, each of said hooks including an engagement shoulder formed above a cammed surface, and each of said hooks designed to engage with said lock means associated with said base.
 12. The retraction mechanism as set forth in claim 5 above, wherein said lock means associated with said base comprises a lock bar slidably engaged along the undersurface of said base, said base being provided with a pair of hook receiving apertures in vertical registry with said engagement means associated with said support platform, and said lock bar similarly being provided with a pair of hook receiving apertures normally positioned out of registry in relation with said hook receiving apertures in said base and spring means for slidably moving said lock bar, thereby to move said hook receiving apertures and said lock bar into regisTry with said hook receiving apertures in said base, whereby said engagement means associated with said support platform may be lockingly engaged by said lock bar when the hook receiving apertures of said lock bar are out of registry with the hook receiving apertures of said base, and may be releasably removed therefrom by slidably moving said lock bar such that the hook receiving apertures in said lock bar register with the hook receiving apertures in said base in order to permit the removal therefrom of said engagement means associated with said support platform. 